Pages

Friday, January 22, 2016

How Does Flattery Affect You?

"Do you mind if I ask you something?" Without a clue what to expect I replied, "Of course I don't mind."

I was at our goldsmith's shop where there were four goldsmiths and three diamond setters working. We have used these goldsmiths for over 25 years to make custom jewelry for our clients. During the course of these years, we have never seen superior quality -- their workmanship is unmatched. We respect them and their work so I assumed the question was going to be work related as our relationship is strictly business.

"I have known you over 20 years, why is it you still look the same?" I was not sure if this was a compliment or an indication that I needed to upgrade my appearance.

I laughed, not knowing what to say. He continued, "How old are you, anyway?"

I laughed again and said, "You know you are never supposed to ask a lady her age!" He apologized profusely, "How old do you think I am?"

He took a step closer to me and said, "I can't lie and I hope I am not insulting you, but you must be between 40 and 45."

Now, it was time to burst into hysterics as I said, "You China men all think we blue-eyed, blonde white chicks all look alike!" The whole shop burst into laughter. He was embarrassed, not knowing if I was flattered or insulted.

I said, "I will be turning 70 soon." He lost his balance, landed in the closest chair and said, "If you weren't married, I would be asking you out!"

I told him "All men are liars!" and there was another round of laughter. He proceeded to say some very nice things and I couldn't wait to call my hubby and tell him. I knew he would be pleased -- and he was! That made my day, week, month, year.

Emergency trip to the hospital

Last Fly on the Wall post I shared how crazy my month was with all my jobs plus being on the road for half of it including the trip to Washington, D. C. for the Woman of Impact Award ceremony. November/December were just as busy. After being on a speaking tour for two weeks straight, it was wonderful to be home knowing I had two weeks to get caught up with business on the home front before getting back on the road.

Relaxing late in the evening the day I got home, the phone rang.

"Mom, I'm in Emergency!" Not words any mother wants to hear, especially from her pregnant daughter.

"I went into labor and there are some complications." My choices to get to her are twofold. Floatplane or ferry. Neither runs late at night. I had to wait until the next morning to take the first flight out. Her hubby works 1,000 miles away. She cannot be alone! Immediately I made calls to everyone I knew who would pray and they, in turn, called everyone they knew.

When my plane landed, I caught a cab and said "Hospital!" I didn't say it was an emergency, but the look on my face must have implied that as we got to the hospital in half the time it should have taken. He was taking some corners on two wheels.

I got to her room ten minutes before they wheeled her into the ultrasound room and there I witnessed my beautiful grand baby on screen seemingly calm and NOT stressed. There were two doctors present, the radiologist and the ultrasound technician. They concurred. They were witnessing a miracle. The evening before my daughter's body was preparing to give birth. Yet, today, everything had returned to normal. There was no emergency -- things like this just don't "happen!"

I stayed with her for a week because she runs a small farm, has a four-year-old son and seven dogs. I wanted to be sure she had everything under control and organized before I returned home.

While there, I was able to see my grandson "graduate" from his swimming class, his gymnastic class, and hockey lessons. What fun for this proud grandma!

Ever wear your underwear on the outside?

As much as I love it, public speaking can be exhausting. One day after speaking, I changed clothes in the hotel restroom and decided to treat myself to a trip to the mall.

I felt something weird in my jeans and assumed my tank top had rolled up when I had changed clothes in a hurry. I continued to walk the mall and felt something move down my leg. I was not able to get to the restroom in time. My change of underwear that I brought with me had somehow been rolled into my jeans and I never noticed them -- until it was too late. ON THE FLOOR. OF THE MALL. IN FRONT OF SNICKERING SHOPPERS.

A week later I was back on the road and so happy to be speaking in the area where my daughter lived. It meant I could stay with her instead of an unfamiliar hotel and have more time to visit. I invited her to attend one of the meetings knowing that children were not 'welcome' as it was a business women's luncheon. I told her to arrive after the lunch and introductory speaker and sit in the rear.

When I was introduced to speak, although it was a very large room, I could see Rochelle and four-year-old William sitting in the back. I knew he would be an angel throughout the 40 minutes I was speaking, but I had no idea what was going on until she told me later that day.

Rochelle brought him his headphones and an on-line game to play, but as soon as I started speaking he removed the headphones and listened, intently. He kept whispering questions to his mom about the things I was sharing. Several times he asked, "Can I tell Grandma she is doing a great job?"

Rochelle would tell him that was not appropriate and he continued to listen to his grandma talk. When I finished, I walked to the back of the room during the closing comments. It was more than William could stand. "Now, Mama? Now?" Rochelle nodded her head, he came running up to me meeting me half way in the room.

He jumped and clapped and in a loud voice said, "Good job, Grandma!" The audience laughed and gave me a standing ovation. At the book table, he told each woman that his grandma wrote a book and they should buy it. I found my Secret Weapon!William was so excited about seeing Santa he said his heart was pounding!

ABSOLUTELY Blown Away and moved to tears

Many of you have listened to my talk show, Never Ever Give Up Hope, for which I am grateful. I have been so blessed with the greatest guests on this planet. I know there will be many more to come as I am booked well into next year with a long waiting list.

Each person I interview has such an amazing story of survival, perseverance, and tenacity. It is both the guests and the listeners who are making this show a huge success. The show is now in 51 countries and it is only FOUR MONTHS old. I am thrilled to be able to be a part of sharing these phenomenal stories. Please take the time to check out some of these awesome guests - you will be inspired -- I GUARANTEE it. Never Ever Give Up Hope!

This was my Fly on the Wall contribution for this month. Each month a group of bloggers share what has been going on behind closed doors....the good, the bad, the funny, the sad. Have a look around at the other stories -- I guarantee you will be entertained.